Anyone else feel this way? I'm a remote worker and Median household income is $250,001, which feels pretty solid for the area. Household incomes average around $250,001 in Dover. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
Pros:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong sense of community
- Plenty of shopping options
- Active local events
Cons:
- Not very walkable
- Lack of diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Not enough green space
What do you all think? Thanks for reading. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
15 upvotes
15 Replies
Chloe Garcia
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely underrated and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Westside) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
39 upvotes
Everly Wright
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Portland about 3 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
38 upvotes
Leo W.
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 7 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to cost of living but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
William M.
Moved here from Portland about 13 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Hope this helps!.
27 upvotes
Connor P.
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The community vibe is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
nyc_reagan
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The dating scene is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
24 upvotes
Natalie Reed
I work in construction here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is average. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
Allison Martin
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 26, moved here 14 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Maple Ridge and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Property taxes are high
3. The walkability situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- West: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Austin, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
21 upvotes
Joseph C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 46, moved here 12 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Uptown and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The public transit situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Chicago, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
19 upvotes
William Wilson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Chicago about 6 years ago. The main reasons were family and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is tough.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
18 upvotes
Delilah
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
18 upvotes
Rylee Castillo
I work in legal here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is pretty good. Definitely worth checking out..
13 upvotes
John R.
underrated comment
5 upvotes
Nevaeh
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
2 upvotes
David Hill
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely challenging and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Old Town) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.